The East Village has welcomed an exciting new addition with the opening of The Rabbit Books and Bar on Avenue A. More than just a bookstore or neighborhood bar, the space brings together books, coffee, conversation, and community under one roof. 

Founded by mother-and-daughter team Marianna Vaidman Stone and Emily Stone, The Rabbit Books and Bar was born from a shared dream and a love of bringing people together. Their combined backgrounds in literature, hospitality, and storytelling have shaped a space designed to feel warm, welcoming, and distinctly neighborhood-focused. 

For residents of StuyTown and the surrounding community, the new venue offers something increasingly valuable: a true "third place" beyond home and work. Whether stopping in for a morning coffee, browsing a thoughtfully curated selection of books, meeting friends for an evening drink, or attending community events like the Read the World A to Z launch celebration at the 2026 Brooklyn Book Festival, neighbors now have another gathering place just a short walk away. The Rabbit Books and Bar was created with book clubs, conversations, and community connections in mind, making it a natural fit for residents looking to engage with the neighborhood. 

The Rabbit Books and Bar is just as much a gathering place as it is a bookstore. Visitors can enjoy coffee, tea, wine, beer, and creative cocktails alongside light bites, shareable charcuterie boards, and snacks. With a mix of cozy reading nooks and communal tables, the space is designed to accommodate everything from a quiet afternoon with a book to lively conversations, book clubs, and neighborhood meetups. Its welcoming atmosphere and affordable menu make it an easy addition to any StuyTown resident's routine. 

The store also embraces a global perspective, with a focus on international fiction and diverse voices, while maintaining the intimate feel of a local independent bookstore. That balance between broad horizons and neighborhood roots is part of what makes the space so appealing. 

As StuyTown continues to benefit from the growth of small businesses throughout the East Village, openings like The Rabbit Books and Bar help strengthen the sense of community that makes New York City special. It's a place where neighbors can discover new stories, support a family-owned business, and create connections with one another. 

In a city that often moves at a fast pace, The Rabbit Books and Bar offers an invitation to slow down, stay awhile, and turn the page to something new.